The Five Elders had not risen to power by accident.
First the stick, then the carrot, then appeals to reason and duty — all were used to pressure Sengoku.
In the end, he had no choice but to swallow his emotions and sit down.
The meeting resumed quickly.
CP0 had located Good's position and gathered intelligence.
At present, Good had not awoken. He was being looked after by Momousagi and Tokikake.
The Grand Elder, after giving everyone time to review the report, spoke slowly:
"Back then, when we failed to capture the Demon's Child, Ace, it led to the war just days ago and the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers.
Now, with another 'demon,' we cannot repeat the same mistake. We must end this threat."
Sengoku looked down at the report in his hand. His voice was heavy, but he raised his head with pleading eyes that once burned bright but now seemed dim.
"Elders... allow me to speak with Good first. I swear I can persuade him to retire quietly. I'll take full responsibility. I'll sign a military oath!"
Beside him, Akainu — the staunchest voice of Absolute Justice — surprised everyone by supporting him.
"I will also pledge myself. Let us convince Good to step away, to not trouble the Navy again."
Even the lazy Aokiji and the ambiguous Kizaru agreed to sign their names.
"If persuasion fails, we'll send him to Impel Down together!"
But the Five Elders shook their heads.
The Grand Elder coughed softly.
"It isn't about giving chances. Oaths cannot reduce the risk. You all know this. Nicholas Good's strength is undeniable. You've seen it yourselves.
A man who fought four Emperor-level powers at once. If he refuses to retire — if he stands against the Government, against the Navy..."
His eyes swept coldly across Sengoku and the Admirals.
"Would you even be able to defeat him?"
Silence. Sengoku and the three Admirals had no reply.
Even together, they could not stand against him.
The Grand Elder continued:
"We cannot afford such risk. The world cannot afford such risk. While Good remains unconscious, we must cut the weed at its root!"
His tone was absolute, leaving no room for negotiation.
He waved away further protests.
"Enough. Have the soldiers prepare. And issue a global conscription order.
The Navy's victory has inspired the world. Strong men everywhere will come to us.
And we will recruit new Warlords of the Sea. Even captured pirates may be offered pardon if they submit to the Government."
As he finished, the Elders stood to leave. But the Grand Elder paused at the door.
"One more thing. You may attempt to recruit Shiki, Bullet, and Redfield. If they submit, the World Government will overlook their past."
His words made their meaning clear: those who could be controlled, the Government welcomed. They would serve as pawns, as dogs on a leash.
But a man like Good, beyond their control, was too dangerous. If he grew to stand alone, even the Government itself would have to bow.
So they would destroy him.
The Marine leadership understood, but could only sigh in resignation.
Meanwhile, on a hidden island in the Calm Belt...
Had Good not crossed into this world, fate would have brought Luffy here instead, to train under Rayleigh near Amazon Lily.
Now it was where Momousagi and Tokikake had hidden Good.
In the deep forest stood a crude wooden hut — really little more than a tent — with just enough space for him to lie inside.
Good lay unconscious, eyes closed, unmoving.
Momousagi sat at his side, gently wiping his face with a cloth, her eyes full of sorrow.
"When will you wake up..." she whispered.
The brush rustled. She snapped to alertness, blade flashing free.
But when she saw it was Tokikake, carrying a freshly hunted beast, she relaxed.
"Don't worry, Momousagi, it's just me," he chuckled.
"This is Hancock's territory. The Navy promised her not to intrude. We're safe here."
"Even so, we can't let our guard down," she replied firmly.
Tokikake squinted, grinning slyly as he set the carcass down.
"Good still hasn't woken up? Strange. Even after losing half his body, his wounds had healed — his life force is terrifying. By now, he should've awakened."
Momousagi frowned, her voice sharp.
"Don't call him Admiral anymore. He's no longer one of us. Neither are we Marines now."
Tokikake raised his hands placatingly.
"Alright, alright. Then what should we call him?"
Her eyes softened slightly, though her tone was serious.
"Little brother. After all... he's younger than us."
Tokikake was speechless.
Meanwhile, within Good's unconscious mind, the system's voice echoed again and again:
"Replication abilities fusing... Completed abilities may also be merged..."
The war had ended days ago, yet the system's rewards continued to unfold.
Perhaps this was the essence of the War God System: to battle until the very end, to rise even from the brink of death.
Every fruit power he had copied — complete or incomplete — now appeared in the fusion list.
(End of Chapter)
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